Greater Manchester council plans £59 charge for bin collections in major change

A Greater Manchester council could charge £59 for green bin garden waste collections. In Stockport, around 100,000 residents are currently provided with a free weekly green bin collection for both garden and food waste.

But the council is planning to make changes to cut costs, in a move which could save up to £2m. The council has proposed keeping a weekly free food-only green bin collection, with the option of introducing a permit to charge residents £59 a year for a weekly garden waste collection, discounted at £39 for those who get council tax support.

Blue bin collections are also set to change to once every four weeks rather than fortnightly. Coun Mark Roberts explained that the savings will help to “protect vital frontline services” such as funding for social care, libraries, and parks.

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He said: “Over 75 per cent of our budget supports essential services for vulnerable children and adults here in Stockport. “Due to these constraints we must make tough decisions, and one of those proposed changes is charging for garden waste collection, a service that most councils across the country already charge for.”

But Coun Peter Crossen said residents could refuse to pay for collections and end up burning garden waste, and added that the changes could lead to more fly-tipping.

Trafford and Bolton councils have also shared plans to bring in a £45 yearly charge for garden waste. Stockport council leader Mark Hunter said the borough is facing “significant financial challenges,” needing to save nearly £26.5m next year, and £49m by 2027/28.

Proposals for cut costs will be debated at the council’s scrutiny committee meetings next week before being decided.